Tattoo Removal: What You Need to Know Before Getting Started

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Do you have a tattoo that you don’t like and that makes you self-conscious? Whatever the reason (spelling mistake, youthful error, poorly done design…), you have the option to permanently remove your tattoo. Tattoo removal is indeed a medical procedure that consists of completely erasing a tattoo or at least reducing it as much as possible. Are you ready to take the plunge? Here’s everything you need to know about tattoo removal.

How does tattoo removal work?

The tattoo removal is a medical procedure that must be performed by a qualified professional. This can be a dermatologist or a certified physician. Therefore, make sure to gather information before stepping into a center that offers tattoo removal services. Let’s take a closer look at how tattoo removal sessions are conducted.

The preliminary consultation for tattoo removal

The preliminary consultation before the tattoo removal session is a mandatory step before the removal procedure. It is somewhat of a information appointment with the doctor. You must go to the clinic for an initial consultation that allows for assessing the feasibility of the project. Your doctor will determine your Tattoo Profile and can then provide you with a personalized quote. Here’s how the first consultation proceeds:

• the patient discusses medical contraindications with the doctor,
• the doctor notes information regarding the patient’s medical history,
• the patient shows the tattoo to be removed to the doctor,
• the doctor explains the tattoo removal process to the patient.

At the end of the first consultation, which is very important, your doctor explains how the session will proceed and discusses the technique used, the equipment, and the care involved. The practitioner prescribes a numbing cream to apply to the skin two hours before the procedure and to cover with a transparent film. He then provides you with a quote that includes the price of the tattoo removal as well as the number of necessary sessions.

The number of sessions will depend on certain elements, notably the type of tattoo (professional or amateur), the ink color, the ink depth, and the tattoo size. The number of tattoo removal sessions is provided as an estimate; it is indeed not possible to know in advance the exact number of sessions required for a tattoo removal.

The tattoo removal session

On the day of tattoo removal, you will be received by the doctor who, after a brief exchange, will ensure that you have understood the session procedures. The session usually takes place on a medical table where the patient sits or lies down, depending on the location of their tattoo.

After removing the film placed over the numbing cream applied two hours earlier, the doctor begins the tattoo removal session with a laser suitable for the tattoo color. The ink pigments will detach from the skin, and you will notice the formation of small scabs and blisters shortly after the session. To obtain a complete tattoo removal by a certified physician, you can visit a website dedicated to tattoo removal.

After the tattoo removal

Once the tattoo removal session is complete, the practitioner applies a healing ointment to the treated area and covers it with a bandage. You must keep the bandage on for 24 hours, then leave the skin exposed. Your doctor will inform you of the necessary care for the proper healing of your tattoo. After the tattoo removal session, the use of a gentle or antiseptic soap is essential.

You should also use a healing cream or greasy cream (like petroleum jelly) on the treated area for about ten days. An antibiotic cream may be prescribed if necessary. This should be applied to the affected area only if the blisters or bubbles burst. Avoid sun exposure during the treatment period and for a month after the last tattoo removal session.

Tattoo removal: what are the different techniques?

There are various options for getting rid of a tattoo. For example, tattoo removal by covering it with another tattoo (also known as a cover-up) is one option. However, if you want to completely erase a tattoo, the three techniques currently used are: mechanical destruction by dermabrasion, chemical destruction or peeling, and physical removal or destruction of particles by laser, which is a less painful and less destructive solution for the skin.

Mechanical destruction by dermabrasion involves mobilizing particles that are then evacuated to a bandage or the blood or lymphatic system. If you have a small tattoo, you can opt for excision; however, it is an invasive surgical procedure. This technique involves “tearing” the skin where the tattoo is embedded so that it regenerates as new.

The laser, an effective technique

The laser is much more common. This method is now considered the safest and most effective by doctors. The laser penetrates the skin and fragments the tattoo pigment particles using different wavelengths. This means that it makes them small enough to be eliminated through the blood or lymph. This method requires several sessions. It is important to note that some tattoos are more complicated to remove depending on their ink quantity, location, and colors. Light colors such as yellow or light green will require more sessions because the laser will have a diminished effect on these colors.

The different types of lasers

There are two types of lasers: Q-Switched lasers and picosecond lasers. To reduce the “burns” on healthy tissues around the tattoo, Q-switched lasers are used, which emit high-power pulses of very short duration. However, these types of lasers have disadvantages. They are slow, quite painful, and not very effective on colors.

The nanosecond pulse can cause too much thermal effect and not enough photomechanical effect to fragment the tiny pigment particles. Certain pigment colors: blue, yellow, ocean, and green resist treatment. This is also true for pigments located at depth. Multiple sessions (ranging from 10 to sometimes 25 for recent tattoos) are often necessary for complete tattoo removal.

Picosecond lasers, equipped with three different wavelengths, are effective on red, blue, black, purple, and green colors. Their impact duration is much shorter, ranging from 450 to 750 picoseconds, in contrast to Q-switched lasers (5 to 60 nanoseconds). This type of laser is faster and more effective and leaves few scars and side effects, as it has virtually no thermal impact. It also requires fewer sessions for complete tattoo removal.

Tattoo removal: what are the contraindications?

Generally, anyone can have a tattoo removed by a doctor or dermatologist. However, there are contraindications. Tattoo removal is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or individuals suffering from infections. If you are taking anticoagulants, you should reconsider the idea of tattoo removal. It is also advisable to discuss any ongoing treatments with your doctor before any procedure. Tattoo removal is also contraindicated if you have a significant tan.

The risks and complications of tattoo removal

Each skin reacts differently to laser treatment depending on certain parameters such as the dye used, the depth of the needle, the age of the patient, the size of the design, etc. After the session, pinpoint bleeding and blisters may appear at the treated area. This is followed by the formation of scabs that you must treat with an antibacterial cream until the scab detaches. Redness and swelling of the skin often manifest. With the best follow-up care, these heal quickly without complications. In rare cases, the fragmented color pigments in the skin can trigger allergic reactions.

Is tattoo removal dangerous?

The risks associated with tattoo removal depend on the size of the design, the colors used, the affected body area, the pigment concentration, and the type of laser therapy. In addition to risks like swelling, bleeding, scarring, or infections, various substances are released during the separation of color pigments, which may contribute to cell damage.

Does tattoo removal leave scars?

Sometimes lasers can leave burns and scars when misused by the doctor. They can also cause pigment disorders or allergies, but these cases are rare. Nowadays, doctors or dermatologists use very gentle laser devices. This means that the occurrence of scars and pigment spots is infrequent, especially if the patient adheres to the healing protocols given to them. To ensure a successful tattoo removal, consult recognized specialists rather than unqualified individuals offering low-cost services under questionable conditions.

How much does a complete tattoo removal cost on average?

The cost of tattoo removal depends on certain factors, including the size of the area to be treated and the type of tattoo. Black tattoos, small in size or already faded, can be removed more quickly than highly colorful designs. Treatment fees range from approximately 100 euros for small tattoos to several hundred euros. Since tattoo removal is considered an aesthetic procedure, the sessions are not covered by Health Insurance. For a personalized cost estimate, it is ideal to consult your doctor.